8.01.2007

Stuff to do with your dog

I came across a book the other day entitled "City Dog: Greater Boston". If you have a dog in this city, this is a must have book.

In it are places to go with your 4 legged friend, Poison Control numbers by county, Adoption Centers, Doggie Day Cares, Boarding, Grooming, Sitting, Training, Low Cost Vaccine Centers and Parks. There is so much information in such a handy little book. Do pick it up.

I'll post some interesting ones from time to time here.

Many of my clients ask me where to send their dog for doggie daycare. There are a couple of great ones. Crate-Escape is a facility that many of my classes are currently held. This is a convenient location on the Belmont, Cambridge line, and is less than a mile from the Fresh Pond Rotaries.

The Pet Companions facility in Reading and in Somerville is also an excellent establishment, and many of my clients swear by them. They have video surveillance of every room, out door, indoor, and overnight abilities. They have transportation included in many of their services.


In Revere, there is Paws Here, which according to City Dog, is a top pick if you live in the area. There is an interview process that the dog has to go through first, which is customary for all reliable doggie day cares (the two above also have a screening process).

For small breeds, try Raining Cats and Dogs- the sister location to Crate-escape. This is small breed specific day care, and is perfect for those apartment sized pooches that need to get away while you guys are at work.

No Bones About It in Brookline offers affordable doggie daycare, that also offers grooming. I don't know much about these guys personally, but certainly check them out if you are in the area.

For the Littleton/Acton/Groton crowd, I have to give props to Bark-O-Lounge This is another location that I train out of, and I couldn't be happier. Julie runs a good sized faclity that lends itself to caring for a good sized group of dogs without things getting out of control. It's convenient to get to (just off of 495 on 119), affordable, and I would absolutely, without hesitation, recommend day care here. The only issue is, for the Boston folk, it's a little far to travel, unless you find yourself crossing 495 NW each morning, but if you know folks out that way, suggest this Day Care.

For a more personal touch, or overnight stays, Connie McKinnon with Pawsitively Personal Pet Care offers a range of services from dog walking, caring for your pet in your home, and taking dogs to her house. She doesn't believe in cages, and feels that dogs will be happier in a home-like environment while you're away. She's fully insured and bonded, and again- I would recommend that you call her if you want someone who is absolutely attentive to detail, and you feel odd about leaving your pup at home while you're gone. Call her as soon as possible in advance, because she never takes more than 4 dogs.

My advice for finding a place for your pooch to play while you're away is to visit the location, talk to some of the owners about the facility, and talk to the owners. Definitely do your research, as not all doggie day's and boarding facilities are created equal.

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